1994 Mouton Rothschild

Harvested 19 September to 1 October. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Much lighter and leafier – some might describe it as ‘elegant’ Mouton. The fruit quality here is quite subdued and has a distinct cool edge, with no great concentration. All four bottles tasted remarkably similar. A little lean on the palate. This won’t improve with more maturation.

This is still youthful in appearance of dark ruby color. It sets an excellent example for the 1994 vintage with a spicy, toasty nose showing lots of blackcurrants and tar. It's full-bodied, refined and chewy.

After less than persuasive performances in two potentially great years, 1989 and 1990, Mouton-Rothschild appears to have settled down, producing fine efforts in recent vintages, culminating with the enormously promising, unquestionably profound 1995. The 1994 appears to be the finest Mouton-Rothschild made following the 1986 and before the 1995's conception. The wine exhibits a dense, saturated purple color, followed by a classic Mouton nose of sweet black fruits intermingled with smoke, pain grillee, spice, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, with outstanding concentration, a layered feel, plenty of tannin, and rich, concentrated fruit, this wine is similar to the fine 1988. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. By the way, the Dutch artist, Appel, has created a gorgeous label for the 1994. Although Mouton-Rothschild can be among the most inconsistent first-growths, when this estate gets everything right, the wine can be as compelling as any produced in Bordeaux.